Identify Songs from Movies and TV Shows: Step-By-Step Guide

Identifying songs from movies and TV shows can be a frustrating yet intriguing task, especially when a catchy tune gets stuck in your head but you can't quite place it. Fortunately, there are several tools and methods available to help you track down the music you're looking for.

Using Music Identification Apps

Shazam and SoundHound

For immediate identification, apps like Shazam and SoundHound are invaluable. These apps can recognize songs even amidst background noise, making them perfect for use during TV shows or movies.

Shazam: Integrated into Apple devices, Shazam can be accessed via the Control Center. For Android users, it is available as a standalone app. Simply tap the Shazam button to identify the song playing.
SoundHound: Available for both Android and iOS, SoundHound allows users to tap a button to identify songs. It also has the unique feature of recognizing songs when you hum or sing them.

Google Assistant and Siri

If you prefer using voice commands, Google Assistant and Siri can also help identify songs. Simply ask your virtual assistant, "What song is this?" and it will attempt to identify the music.

Online Databases and Websites

Tunefind

Tunefind is a comprehensive database that lists music from TV shows and movies. You can search by show or movie title and find the music featured in specific episodes or scenes. This site categorizes songs by individual episodes, making it easy to find the exact track you're looking for.

WhatSong

WhatSong is another extensive collection of movie and TV show soundtracks. It allows users to browse soundtracks by movie or show title and even create personalized lists of music categorized by the media they appeared in.

IMDb

The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) is a treasure trove for music information. Each title on IMDB has a comprehensive soundtrack section that lists all the music featured in that title, including the song name, artist, writers, and copyright information.

Soundtrack.net

Soundtrack.net is one of the most comprehensive databases of music featured in film and TV. Users can search by movie title, browse TV shows by specific season and episode, and even find music used in trailers and teasers. It also catalogs music from officially released soundtracks and allows searches by musical artist.

Community-Driven Forums

AdTunes

For music featured in commercials, movie trailers, and videogame ads, AdTunes is a community-driven forum where users can ask about specific ads and get help from other users in identifying the music. While the search function is basic, the user-generated results are often accurate.

Engaging with communities on platforms like Reddit or social media sites such as Twitter can be beneficial. Posting requests for help in identifying a specific track can yield results, especially in popular show discussions. Running a search on Twitter could also reveal ongoing conversations about particular songs.

Advanced Search Techniques

IMDB Advanced Search

For more detailed searches, IMDB's Advanced Search tab allows you to search soundtracks and find music used in various titles. This can be particularly useful if you're looking for a specific song that you know has been featured in multiple movies or TV shows.

By leveraging these tools and methods, you can efficiently identify songs from movies and TV shows, ensuring that you never miss out on the music that catches your ear.